Source description last updated: 12 June 2019

In brief: The German Institute of Global and Area Studies (GIGA) is an independent research institute based in Hamburg that conducts research on political, economic, and social developments in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East, as well as on global issues.

Coverage on ecoi.net:

GIGA Focus reports, GIGA Working Papers

Covered monthly on ecoi.net, for countries of priorities A-C.

Mission/Mandate/Objectives:

“On the basis of its research the GIGA advises decision makers in politics, business, and civil society. […]

Our research (1) encompasses in-depth area expertise on Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East that uses state-of-the-art comparative methods (“Comparative Area Studies”), (2) covers and combines different levels of analysis – global, regional, national, and subnational, (3) applies and develops innovative theoretical and empirical approaches from the social sciences, (4) and engages with ideas and concepts from different parts of the world.

We use academic rigour to contribute to solving some of the fundamental social, political, and economic problems of our times. To fulfil this ambition, we believe it is critical that we take into account the philosophical traditions and historical experiences of all world regions and develop a well-informed, inclusive, and pluralistic approach to scholarship and policy. We serve as an intellectual bridge between theories, frameworks, and cases from different world regions. Our research has scientific impact and direct, real-world implications.” (GIGA: GIGA Mission, Vision, Values, undated)

“In the various editions of the GIGA Focus, the GIGA publishes its research findings and concise analyses of current events. Four editions cover politics, economics, and society in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East, respectively. A transregional edition examines global trends.

Eight issues of each edition are published each year, in German or English. Summaries are available in both languages.” (GIGA website: GIGA Focus, undated)

“The GIGA is a foundation under the civil law of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg.” (GIGA website: About the GIGA, undated)

Funding:

“The GIGA is jointly funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, the Hamburg Ministry of Science, Research and Equalities, and the other federal states. We also acquire third-party funding in competitive procedures, which accounts for approximately 30 per cent of the total annual budget of approximately 11 million euros.” (GIGA website: About the GIGA, undated)

Scope of reporting:

Geographic focus: Africa, Asia, Latin America, Middle East

Thematic focus: Accountability and Participation, Peace and Security, Growth and Development, Power and Ideas

Methodology:

GIGA Focus reports and Working Papers are written by GIGA research and/or visiting fellows and are based on publicly available qualitative and quantitative information and the author’s analysis. They contain a list of references at the end (see, for example, GIGA: Tunesiens junge Demokratie: Zwischen Sozialprotesten und Strukturanpassung, April 2019, GIGA: AMLO’s First 100 Days: Mixed Signals, March 2019 and GIGA: Cuba’s New Social Structure: Assessing the Re-Stratification of Cuban Society 60 Years after Revolution, February 2019).

Language(s) of publications:

English and German

Further reading / links:

Die Zeit: "Wir haben ein einzigartiges Wissen", 30 September 2014

https://www.zeit.de/2014/38/giga-chefin-amrita-narlikar/komplettansicht

 

All links accessed 12 June 2019.